Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Published: January 10, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor: The combination of citrus and spice offers a unique taste that’s both invigorating and comforting.
Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious iced tea in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a soothing drink on its own or as an elegant addition to brunches and parties.
Health Benefits: Black tea provides antioxidants while oranges add vitamin C, making this drink both tasty and nutritious.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference with honey or sugar, making it suitable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the necessary tools handy. These will help streamline the process and ensure your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Saucepan
Measuring cups
Tea strainer or fine mesh sieve
Mixing spoon
Pitcher

Importance of Each Tool

Saucepan: This is essential for boiling water and steeping the tea, ensuring you extract all those wonderful flavors.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements guarantee that your tea has the perfect balance of flavors.
Tea Strainer or Fine Mesh Sieve: This allows you to remove the tea bags and spices easily, resulting in a smooth beverage.

Ingredients

To create your refreshing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, gather the following ingredients:

For the Iced Tea Base

4 cups Water
4 Black tea bags or 4 tsp loose leaf
1 Orange (large)
2 Cinnamon sticks
2 Star anises (optional)

For Sweetening and Serving

Honey or sugar (optional)
Ice cubes
Orange slices (for garnish)

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Step 1: Boil the Water

Start by boiling the water in a saucepan. While waiting for it to heat up, zest the orange to get about one teaspoon of zest.

Step 2: Steep the Tea

Once the water is boiling:
1. Remove it from heat.
2. Add the tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest (along with star anises if using).
3. Cover and steep for 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Juice the Orange

While the tea is steeping:
1. Juice the orange.
2. After steeping time is complete, remove the tea bags and strain the mixture into a pitcher.
3. Stir in the orange juice and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

Step 4: Chill the Tea

Let your tea cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate until it’s completely chilled.

Step 5: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice cubes:
1. Pour the chilled tea over ice.
2. Garnish each glass with fresh orange slices and optional cinnamon sticks or star anise.
3. Enjoy your refreshing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Serving Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea can elevate your gatherings and provide a delightful refreshment on warm days. Here are some creative ways to present this vibrant drink.

Serve in Mason Jars

Use mason jars for a rustic look. They add charm and are perfect for outdoor events.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Add a sprig of mint or basil for a refreshing twist. The herbs will enhance the aroma and taste.

Create a Tea Bar

Set up a DIY tea bar with various garnishes like orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and sweeteners. Guests can customize their drinks.

Pair with Snacks

Offer light snacks or pastries alongside the iced tea. It makes for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

To make your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh oranges and quality black tea bags will enhance the flavor significantly.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving and adjust sweetness according to preference; honey adds a unique touch.
Play with Spices: Try adding other spices like cloves or nutmeg if you want to experiment with flavors.
Chill Properly: Ensure the tea is fully chilled before serving; over ice, it should be refreshing and cool.
Make Ahead: Prepare the tea a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Pairing sides with your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea can create a well-rounded experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.

Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and refreshing, these sandwiches add a crisp contrast to the sweet tea.
Fruit Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal fruits offer a healthy option that pairs perfectly with the citrus notes.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances the sweetness of the iced tea while providing savory elements.
Scones: Soft scones, especially those flavored with citrus or spices, make for an excellent pairing.
Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches provide protein and pair well with any iced beverage, making them ideal for brunches.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add indulgence and align beautifully with the orange-cinnamon flavor profile.
Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts brings crunch and depth, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, these rolls bring an Asian flair that complements the drink’s spices nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.

Using stale tea bags: Fresh tea bags or loose leaf provide the best flavor. Always check the expiration date to ensure freshness.
Oversteeping the tea: Steeping for too long can make the tea bitter. Stick to the recommended 5 to 8 minutes for optimal taste.
Not zesting the orange properly: Zesting adds vital flavor. Use a microplane or fine grater to get just the zest without the bitter pith.
Skipping the chilling step: Serving warm iced tea defeats the purpose. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
Ignoring sweetness options: Not everyone enjoys unsweetened tea. Offer honey or sugar on the side for customizable sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
The iced tea will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place in an oven-safe container until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, you’ve come to the right place!

How do I enhance the flavor of Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea?

Adding more spices like ginger or cardamom can elevate your drink. Feel free to experiment with flavors that complement orange and cinnamon.

Can I use other types of tea?

Yes! Green or herbal teas can also work well with orange and cinnamon. Just adjust steeping times according to your chosen tea type.

How long does Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days. If frozen, it can stay good for about 2 months.

Is there a caffeine-free option for this iced tea?

Absolutely! You can opt for caffeine-free herbal teas as a base while keeping all other ingredients the same.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is not only refreshing but versatile enough for any occasion. With its balance of sweet and spicy flavors, it’s perfect for summer parties or cozy evenings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or spices to make it truly your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card